IHC summons top officials over PTI’s Sept 27 march

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday issued notices to the attorney general, inspectors general of police and advocate generals of all four

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday issued notices to the attorney general, inspectors general of police and advocate generals of all four provinces over a petition challenging the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned nationwide protests and September 27 long march towards Islamabad.

IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar heard the petition filed by citizen Waqas Ahmed. The court directed the officials to appear in person. It also decided to form a larger bench to hear the case.

The petitioner’s lawyer said he was a trader in Islamabad and feared that the planned protest would affect business and routine activities in the capital. He described the proposed demonstrations as illegal and raised concerns about possible violence and disruption.

The lawyer referred to statements by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. He said several cases involving PTI leaders were already pending before the courts and should be decided through legal proceedings.

He questioned whether people whose cases were pending could take to the streets to seek relief. He also raised concerns about a possible attempt to reach Adiala jail and referred to previous incidents involving state institutions.

The counsel claimed that earlier PTI protests had resulted in deaths and financial losses. He said three Rangers personnel had lost their lives during a previous demonstration. He also cited media reports that estimated losses from the last protest at around Rs240 million.

The lawyer argued that street protests should not be used to pressure the government or judiciary in cases involving PTI leaders. He questioned whether courts could be asked to suspend sentences because a large number of people were brought to Islamabad.

Chief Justice Dogar asked whether the protesters would be accompanied by the KP chief minister and government machinery. The lawyer replied in the affirmative. He also presented a letter issued by the Interior Ministry on November 21, 2024.

The counsel alleged that government machinery had been used during the PTI’s 2024 protest despite instructions from the Interior Ministry. He further claimed that no application had been submitted to the Islamabad district magistrate for permission to hold the planned demonstration.

The lawyer also mentioned the £190 million case and other proceedings involving PTI leaders. He argued that pending cases should be dealt with by courts and that protests should not be used to influence judicial decisions.

The court issued notices to the attorney general, provincial police chiefs and advocate generals. They were directed to appear before the court in their personal capacities.

The IHC also decided to constitute a larger bench for the matter. Further proceedings were adjourned until September 10.